Madanapalle Sub-Collector's Office Fire Likely Deliberate: DGP

Amaravati: AP DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao stated that the fire at the Madanapalle Sub-Collector's office in Annamayya district appears to be deliberate, not accidental. Following CM Chandrababu's orders, Rao visited the site and briefed the media.

"At around 11:30 p.m., a fire broke out in the office, affecting the room containing 22A land records," Rao said. "Matches and burnt files found outside the window suggest foul play." The RDO was aware of the incident but failed to inform the collector, SP, or DSP, raising further suspicions.

Rao confirmed that short circuit was ruled out, and 10 teams have been formed to investigate. "We will decide whether to transfer the case to CID soon," he added, emphasizing the government's seriousness about the incident.

Collector Sridhar confirmed that running files, including those on dotted and restricted lands, were burnt. Officials are working to identify the destroyed files and determine the cause.